Therapy Of Diabetes Mellitus

Islet TransplantsIslet transplantation has been aggressively pursued for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Since there are risks associated with immunosuppression, the most suitable candidates for islet transplants are patients with unstable type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemic unawareness. Islet transplantation has afforded this patient population with better metabolic control, normalization of HbA1c, prevention of severe

Glucose Monitoring and Glucose SensorsFingerstick glucose monitoring is often the most frustrating component of insulin therapy; patients being treated with multi-dose insulin often have to check their glucose levels up to seven times daily. Plasma glucose levels are most accurately reflected in samples drawn from arterialized beds such as the fingertips. Other sources for glucose

Preventing diabetes-related complications requires an integrated approach addressing hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hypercoagulability, and hyperglycemia. As trials supporting the utility of managing these risks emerge, researchers continue to pursue targeted strategies to reduce the pathologic impact of chronic hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia is a cardinal manifestation of diabetes mellitus, and normalizing glucose levels has been shown to reduce the incidence of microvascular complications and may play a role in abating some of the macrovascular complications of diabetes. Future developments must continue to examine strategies to expand the appropriate use of the currently available oral hypoglycemic agents

The epidemic of diabetes shows no signs of abating. Diabetes is already having an enormous impact on the health and well-being of more than 150 million people, a number that is predicted to grow in the United States and throughout the globe, creating substantial strain on health-care systems.